What is retro jewelry?
Ever wondered, “What era is retro and what did jewelry from this time period look like?” In the years before the Second World War, the Art Deco period of jewelry and design transformed into the beloved Retro era. Inspired by the organic, rounded designs of Art Nouveau, the floral motifs of the Victorian age and the geometric, bright designs of Art Deco, Retro vintage jewelry became a modern interpretation of the past - all the while influenced by the turbulent and ever-changing world of the 1940s and early 1950s.
If you are looking to add a touch of sophistication and class to your vintage jewelry collection, consider adding a piece from the retro period of design. These unique jewelry styles have personality and charm, making them an excellent choice for all types of jewelry enthusiasts.
Diamond and Emerald Earrings by Charles Krypell
These eye-catching earrings were created by the renowned jewelry designer Charles Krypell. Diamonds totaling approximately 15.00 carats are featured in the "door knocker" design, while emerald accents add depth to the 18K yellow gold setting. The precious gemstones in this retro piece take this jewelry design to the next level.
Statement Jewelry
Although metal had to be rationed and smaller gems were commonly used, there is nothing diminutive about Retro era jewelry. The futuristic designs often utilized illusion settings to create a heavier, three-dimensional look with precious stones compared to the orderly, flat style of Art Deco antique jewelry. And while geometric, Art Deco-period inspiration was still prevalent, Retro designs favored rounding out the sharpness and abruptness and often used colorful gemstones. Brooches, vintage earrings and antique cocktail rings became especially popular during the Second World War and into the 1950s. Today, you can see these types of fine jewelry pieces using precious metal and gems, from Art Deco-style antique opal rings to antique emerald bracelets, estate and designer pieces and more.
Composition
Since platinum and sterling silver were reserved solely for military purposes during WWII, jewelry of the Retro era was most often created in yellow and rose or green gold alloys. Copper and palladium became new staples in the jewelry world during wartime. Jewelers often used thin sheets of these metals backed by a non-precious base metal to conserve supplies while preventing jewelry from being too small or minimalist.Precious stones were especially challenging to find as many gem mines closed, and because international trading saw new sanctions and vast differences from the pre-war era. Since procuring gemstones was rare at best, many jewelers began to utilize synthetic, or lab-made gemstones instead of naturally occurring ones. Clusters of small diamonds and sparse settings of jewels like rubies and light-colored sapphires were especially popular over the use of fewer, larger gems.
Floral Aquamarine Brooch
Eight elegant blue aquamarines serve as the petals of this flower brooch. 14K gold.
Brooches
As women began joining the workforce during WWII, pants and pantsuits gained popularity. Many of the women wearing pants sought out a feminine balance to the more masculine clothing. Thus, motifs of bows, flowers and animals came into vogue. These motifs were found most often in pins and brooches. Typically using smaller stones and gold, these decorations created an exciting addition to any outfit while continuing to make use of the available materials.Companies like Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier found fame and success in the demand for feminine accessories. The former produced the wildly popular “Ballerina Brooches” and mastered the decorative bird and feather plume. The latter’s famed panther design popped up everywhere in women’s accessories — brooches included.
Earrings
Feminine motifs were seen in earrings of the Retro era as well. Scrolls, flowers and ribbons became common designs, often executed in gold alloys. Earrings of the 1930s and 1940s often centered around the earlobes because clip-on earrings were invented and popularized in the 1930s.
Carved Lapis and Diamond Ring by David Webb
This eye-catching ring by David Webb is set with a stunning specimen of carved lapis. Diamonds totaling 1.54 carats add sparkle to the highly sculptural design. Set in 18K yellow gold and platinum.
Rings
So what is retro jewelry? Retro era jewelry is sometimes referred to as cocktail jewelry - alluding to large, statement-making pieces that draw the eye. While one may think of cocktail rings as having one striking stone, Retro-era rings often had many gemstones. Still, the large and showy nature of Retro era jewelry designs makes them excellent party-going rings.
WWII Paratrooper Earrings
This extraordinary pair of earrings was specially crafted to commemorate the Allied victory during World War II. As patriotic as they are charming, these troops are crafted of 14K gold and adorned by red rubies, white diamonds, and blue sapphires.
Mechanical and Patriotic Inspired
As WWII carried on, fine jewelry began to reflect American pride and emulate the production of military goods and industrial works. Chains inspired by tank treads and those with large links played on this idea further; gas-pipe style chains were immensely popular for both necklaces and bracelets. These industrial-inspired chains were worn with and without pendants and gemstones.Patriotic pieces of antique jewelry featuring reds, whites and blues via rubies, diamonds and sapphires were often seen in Retro jewelry. American flags, fans, scrolls and military motifs decorated women throughout the nation as the war ensued.
Convertible Jewelry
Multi-use jewelry was exceptionally popular during the era. Brooches sometimes doubled as bracelet charms or as necklace pendants. Necklaces themselves could often turn into bracelets, giving a variety of looks for minimal price. Having a statement piece that could be used in multiple ways was truly enticing — especially since resources were so scarce.The ingenuity and eccentric style of the Retro era is still admired and sought after today in fine jewelry pieces. From retro rings to retro earrings with colored gemstones, our selection of fine jewelry pieces offers something for everyone. We are always acquiring new finds, including antique and Retro jewelry, at M.S. Rau. Whether you are looking for a brooch, bracelet, or a stunning engagement ring, our selection has something for every collector. Stop by regularly or sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date.
